For anyone left wondering what coal has to do with our review of the cement industry, we have to first clarify the context. Coal has the special distinction of being at the same time, the fuel and a raw material for production of clinker, the cement intermediate.

Bulk distribution of cement is slowly but steadily replacing the once ubiquitous cement bags, changing the composition of cement channel supply chains forever. Bulk cement is consumed by ready mix concrete (RMC) manufacturers and project implementing agencies across the country. However, bag cement is refusing to disappear from the scene.